New Normal

I really hope this so-called "new normal" doesn't last!I miss the daily social exchanges of what used to be everyday life, and laughter! I'm reminded of Cosmo Castorini's father in Monstruck: "Somebody tell a joke!"

Still, my routine is not really so different from my "normal" before we went to Florida. Then, I was decluttering and cleaning in preparation for our move, and I have to keep it up, since the buyers of our house take possession on May 1. Yesterday, I spent the day doing laundry, disinfecting the kitchen, vacuuming. I felt proudest of washing all my re-usable bags and anything from Florida and wiping down our luggage with Lysol wipes. Today I'm going to deal with my purses, shoes and incidentals I missed yesterday.

Friday's other projects:

• wash bed linens and blankets (almost done)
• drive by the new house
• do a little outdoor spring clean-up
• re-visit remaining work in the attic
• fill the trash barrel for Monday
• watch Frozen -- I made the phrase "let it go"  my mantra some time ago but have never seen the movie

For me, the isolation was worse when I was laboring alone in the attic and basement in the weeks before Christmas and during the month of February. However, I will soon begin to miss my lap swimming at the Y and a much needed trip to the hair salon. I did cut my own bangs a few days ago, not very well (no pictures, pease), but good enough for someone who will not be going out any time soon. The Governor's stay-at-home order takes effect just before midnight.

A Long Day Going Home

I was on edge for a week, worried that we would never get out of Florida. Before leaving for home on Monday, March 23, our friends from Wisconsin gave us a frozen cherry pie, barbecued chicken legs, unopened bags of romaine lettuce, tomatoes, a bottle of wine (which I drank all by myself over a couple of days).

I didn't clean the fridge until I was fairly sure our flight would leave on Wednesday morning. I left unopened items in the fridge and on the kitchen table. We dressed for Florida in shorts and left the condo shortly after 8:30 a.m. For the third time, we had to go through the Byway toll without paying the $1.00 toll -- the sign reads something like "Drive through without stopping. You will be billed.". If that happens, the rental agency Budget will bill us, I'm sure. A hassle.

The drive to TPA was a straight shot on 275, with only a little traffic. Smooth car return and check-in before the shuttle to the terminal. The skycap told us that 500, rather than usual 50,000, were expected at the airport that day.

Sure enough, there were only a dozen or so passengers at the gate. We'd decided to fly first class to ensure "social distancing", but it was totally unnecessary. Our flight left at about 12:30 p.m., only a little late. No drinks at all, except water. I really needed a cup of coffee, since I hadn't had time for one before we left. The snack box was pretty good (the hummus box for me; the salami one for Bob). I packed the uneaten snacks in my purse. We watched A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood during the flight -- great movie. Bob wore the N95 mask Chris had sent us UPS, but I had to take mine off, as I couldn't stand the feeling around my head.

Pouring rain at MSP. This usually busy hub was almost empty. We were the first fare for our cabbie, who had been at the airport for about 13 hours! Not ideal transportation, but we had to get home. With no traffic, we were soon in the door.  I immediately threw all my clothes in the hamper and changed.

So good to be in the door, doing normal things like changing the clocks to DST.